INWED 25 Q&A: Christina Martens, Development Engineer at H2FLY

When did you first decide you wanted a STEM career?

Growing up, gender stereotypes didn’t really play a role in career conversations or influence my early career choices. From an early age, I was exposed to a wide range of topics and naturally gravitated toward STEM subjects, both at home and in school. My family supported my curiosity without limiting it to any one area. This supportive environment gave me the chance to develop my interests and talents free from gender bias. I always knew I wanted to study a STEM subject at university, and a science-based career felt like a natural path.

It wasn’t until after university that I began to notice the disparity between men and women in career choices and advancement opportunities. I had been fortunate to receive strong support throughout my education and early career from passionate teachers, colleagues, and mentors who inspired me with their enthusiasm and believed in me. Their encouragement truly fuelled my passion for science.

What would you like to see more companies doing to champion female talent?

In my opinion, the key differentiating factor in promoting female talent is the work environment created within a company. Many companies are making an effort to hire more women and meet quotas, but the behind-the-scenes environment, including support and mentoring, is not always as strong as it should be.

One area where many companies fall short is in creating a solid framework for women returning to work after having children. Unfortunately, the primary responsibility for childcare still often falls on the woman. While this is a broader societal issue that needs to be addressed, employers can do their part by establishing clear and supportive policies on parental leave and flexibility for both men and women when it comes to childcare. It is an employer’s duty to ensure that no woman who chooses to have children feels professionally disadvantaged because of that choice.

How supportive was your school/individual teachers/parents?

I had been fortunate to receive strong support throughout my education and early career from passionate teachers, colleagues, and mentors who inspired me with their enthusiasm and believed in me. Their ambition truly fuelled my passion for science. My family has always had my back too, supporting and encouraging me every step of the way.

Do you have any engineering role models, and what made them stand out?

I have encountered female role models in STEM subjects both during my school years, such as my very passionate chemistry teacher in high school, and at university, where I met some outstanding female mathematics instructors. I admire the thoroughness and dedication with which these individuals live science, as well as their genuine fascination with it. The environment in which I was educated, therefore, never gave me the impression that any limits were placed on me because of my gender.

At work, how important are mentors?

Mentors are incredibly important. Career progression, particularly in a STEM career requires constant self-evaluation and development of both hard and soft skills. I’m fortunate enough to have had many supportive mentors throughout my career to date who have helped to clearly signpost my route to progression.

Mentorship models at work, whether mentors are male or female, serve as institutional pillars in the company that foster a balanced and fair environment, ensuring every employee gets the support they need to grow personally and professionally.

In what ways is your employer helping you climb the ladder?

At H2FLY, each candidate is hired because of what they bring to the table, their unique ethos, skills and experience. This creates a true sense of diversity where everyone is respected and valued for their input, and where necessary additional support is provided to make sure that people can perform to their best. In this way, progression and development are based solely on performance and skills. There is a level playing field and it feels like we are all supported in the same way.

I’ve received great support from my mentors, which enables me to contribute to progressive technical advancements for the company and my colleagues.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self in relation to your career?

Just do it. Do not let yourself be discouraged by anyone else. Your talent is not defined solely by high school grades – trust your intuition and follow your ambition.